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During his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, the Prince of Wales engaged with young female football enthusiasts in Riyadh, underscoring the evolving role of women in the kingdom’s sports scene. At a training session with a local youth squad, Prince William listened attentively as the participants shared their experiences of female involvement in sports within the Gulf nation. This moment took place as part of a broader three-day trip the prince is undertaking at the UK government’s invitation, aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler.
Upon arrival on Monday, Prince William met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Kensington Palace reported that the prince presented the crown prince with an England football jersey worn by the national team captain, Harry Kane. Their discussion was described as a “warm, far-ranging conversation,” covering multiple aspects of the relationship between the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia. The visit itself is centered around key areas such as energy transition and youth development, reflecting the significant changes underway in the country, although it also carries sensitivities given Saudi Arabia’s contentious human rights record.
As a patron of the English Football Association, Prince William’s visit included a stop at Misk Sports City, where he interacted with the young players and witnessed first-hand the advancements in female sport participation. Notably, until 2018, women were barred from attending sporting events in stadiums, and girls only began physical education in 2017. The prince’s presence highlighted these recent social changes, as he not only observed the football practice but also took part in discussions about wider societal progress.
In addition to his involvement in football, Prince William attended an E-Sports tournament and toured part of Riyadh’s ambitious 84-mile Sports Boulevard, a sprawling network of recreational facilities and green spaces that is a contender for his environmental Earthshot Prize. During his walk, he spoke with local residents such as Reem Alrowaili and her young daughter, Eliana Mufti, about women’s empowerment. Alrowaili expressed hope for the future, contrasting past restrictions with the opportunities now available to her daughter. The prince also met with Riyadh’s mayor and other officials involved in the urban renewal project, which aims to become the world’s largest linear park upon completion.
Ahead of the trip, Prince William was briefed about Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s reputation and the country’s ongoing issues with human rights, including repression of dissent, restrictions on women, and the criminalization of same-sex relationships. A US intelligence report accused the crown prince of approving the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, an allegation denied by both Saudi Arabia and the crown prince himself. Despite the authoritarian nature of the Saudi monarchy, the country is gradually opening culturally and seeking to diversify its economy beyond oil dependency
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